Raft over 30 major class III to IV+ rapids in only 16 miles – some over a football field long. Cutting a steep wilderness canyon through the Cascades of Southern Oregon, Hells Corner of the Upper Klamath is one of the finest and most exciting class-IV rafting trips in the West. Before dam removal this was our most popular day trip from Ashland – now, the big water power of higher water in the canyon, can only be felt during a very short window of time during spring run off. This is the river Momentum got its start on and the ‘Upper K’ will continue to be a guide and guest favorite.
We pick guests up at their hotel in Ashland between 8 and 9 in the morning and return between 5 and 5:30 – back in time for a shower and dinner before the plays. Besides the amazing whitewater and beautiful canyon the trip also includes a continental breakfast and a big lunch.
The run has three different sections beginning with a fun class-III warm-up. This first stretch makes the Upper Klamath a recommended rafting trip for first-timers in good health, as they have plenty of time to learn the finer points of river running. After the warm up the canyon constricts, the river drops out of sight, and we enter the famous “Hells Corner” section of the canyon – beginning with a 150 yard rapid known as ‘Caldera’. There are very few stretches of whitewater like it.
Hells Corner of Upper Klamath is still one of our original ‘backyard’ rivers, and one we know like an old friend. After dam removal it can now be enjoyed as a day trip in the spring during higher flows or as a very technical and steep part of our summer Upper Klamath 2-day trips. Join us and find out why guests that have joined us on trips all over the West and abroad still try to make time for a ‘UK’ trip.
Please Note:
– This trip is perfect for experienced and first time paddlers , However, the trip is active and the flows more varied than they were before dam removal – all guests need to be in good physical condition. If you have any questions or concerns please give us a call or an email.
– The window for proper flows is narrow – If the water is too low we may move the trip to the Kikacéki (Wards) Canyon section. If it is too high we will look at other options.